NBC's series takes place in 1715 on the Bahamian island of New Providence, the first functioning democracy in the Americas, where the pirate Edward Teach -- aka Blackbeard -- reigns over a rogue nation of thieves, outlaws and miscreant sailors. Part shantytown, part marauder's paradise, the island is unlike any other and presents a mounting threat to international commerce. To combat the threat, skilled undercover assassin Tom Lowe is sent to take down Blackbeard, but the closer he gets, the more enthralled with the community he becomes.

House's Hugh Laurie previously had the offer to star in the drama but passed. He remains one of pilot season's most sought-after actors.

"Over the last three decades, John Malkovich has occupied a singular place in the world of international film, theater, and even opera. We're awed by the opportunity to bring his brilliance to the small screen -- particularly in service of the character of Blackbeard, as so brilliantly conceived by Neil Cross," Parkes said.

For Malkovich, Crossbones marks his scripted TV debut. He earned Academy Award nominations for his supporting turns in features in the Line of Fire and Places in the Heart. His credits include Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Secretariat and Jonah Hex. On the producing side, the Principato-Young-repped actor's credits include The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Young Adult and Juno.